Steal a scene from a beautifully styled shop

Photograph by: Handout photo
, National Post

Hi Sam,

I'm having trouble pulling the space of my main-floor condo townhome together. I've been working on the space since January but can't seem to make it look "finished." We do have small children so there is toy clutter. If you could point me in the right direction in order to pull it all together it would be much appreciated! Josie

Hi Josie,

Crossing the finish line in decorating is the hardest step. I get it. You've come a long way and now you just want to be done with it. You have a fantastic traditional, almost country, vibe in your townhouse condo. My advice is to dial that up.

Start by going though magazines that you love. Really dissect the photos, circling or flagging accessories and elements that speak to you. The next step is to get searching (even if you don't buy anything right away). In my prop styling days, when I was feeling uninspired I would go to stores where I knew there were incredible vignettes and displays. Some of the most talented people in the world of decorating and design are in-store stylists and window dressers. A great in-store stylist uses accessories to create a mood and make you feel like you're walking through a home, not a showroom.

The goal is to help you visualize how fab your home could be - and of course to make you want to buy things. When you're feeing stuck in a decorating rut, a little shopping assistance is welcome.

Once you've shopped around well-propped stores and have determined the style of furniture and accessories to which you're drawn, start shopping. Find a coffee table that has storage for kids games and toys. The Meyers rectangular wood coffee table from Pottery Barn may look grown up, but no one would ever have to know that its drawers are jammed with teddy bears and trucks

Once you've added a couple of side tables topped with table lamps, you'll really start to feel like your space is getting there. Throws and pillows (lots of 'em) will make your sofa feel finished. I've been accused of over-pillowfication many times, but pillows add colour, pattern and life to a room. Plus, you can be non-committal with them.

If you don't like them in a few months, donate or sell them and buy new ones.

Avoid small-scale art or the threesmall-photos-in-a-row syndrome by filling the walls with art. Multiple blown-up family photos, plates, maps and even ironwork will do the job.

Finally, you will need to add the real personality pieces. If you have a collection of books, vases or games, put them on display. You don't have to spend a bundle to create your own great displays. Be fearless and true to yourself. One of the most fabulously styled homes I've ever seen had a collection of Pez dispensers on display.

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